Chapter Seven: Part Three

Aside from the orphans residing there, the venue was also filled with residents and some of the local officials. All of them were excited to watch the play.

Leni looked for her Aunt Juana.

“What time will you get back?”
“Probably by eleven, we’re going to have dinner at Mong’s house after.”
“Okay, magpa-hatid ka na lang kay Aldo mamaya.”

She rushed herself backstage when her aunt said,

“Leni, galingan mo.”

After putting on her costume and make-up, Leni suddenly felt sad. While everyone was busy preparing themselves for the presentation, she sat on a corner and embraced a pillow.
A few seconds later, Mong approached her.

“Leni, what’s wrong?”
“I miss my best friends. Sa mga ganitong pagkaka-taon, palagi ko silang kasama.Naalala ko lang sila bigla.”
“ O,bakit wala sila? Hindi mo ba sila inimbita?”
“Inimbita ko sila kaso lang, pumunta sila sa Boracay. Dapat kasama ako, kaso lang nandito ako.”
“Ah, ganun ba? Okay lang yan, Nandito naman kami eh, at saka yung Darling Aldo mo.”
“Mong, isa ka pa. Ayoko ng ganyan, kadiri talaga.” Leni replied as she laughed.
“Ayan, naka-ngiti ka na. Hindi bagay sa’yo naka-simangot eh.”

A few minutes later, Aldo came with a can of coke and a bag of chips.
“Baby ko, kumain ka muna.”
“Aldo tumigil ka nga, nakita mo nang kabado na ako. Mang-aasar ka pa.”
“Pasensya ka na. Pinapa-kalma lang kita, kasi alam ko na nerbyosa ka. Ang hilig mo kasi sa kape.”
“Oo nga eh, naka-apat na cups nga ako. Teka, si Carol ba pupunta?”
“Hindi nga eh. Nag-away na naman kami.”
“Sayang naman.”
Leni got happy that she won’t be there.

“Yes! Walang bruha.” She whispered to herself.
“Are you saying something?”Aldo asked.
“Nope.”

“Guys, you’re next!” Ma’am Ella called them.

Entering the stage was pretty nerve-wracking for her. She moved back, but Aldo grabbed her hand and said.

“Let’s do this together Leni.”

Following Ma’am Ella’s advice, Leni immersed herself in her role. Surprisingly, she was able to deliver the lines without stuttering. After the finale, while everyone applauded them, one boy hurried towards the center stage and gave Leni a bouquet of roses and embraced her.

She was flattered with the kid’s gesture. This was the first time she felt like a star.

After the presentation, the casts headed to Mong’s house for dinner.

“Great job guys! Napabilib niyo sila Father.” Ma’am Ella congratulated them.
“Ma’am, di ba ang galing ni Leni?” One of them said.
Though flattered, Leni humbly said,
“Hindi ah, tayong lahat magaling. Salamat po Ma’am Ella.”

The teacher just smiled at her.